September 05, 2007

What Type of Giver Are You?

Several weeks ago I was able to co-teach on giving with David. As always, when I am around David it gets me to thinking new thoughts on old topics.

I taught on giving as if some were givers and others were not when really we are all givers. The difference is drawn in the area of how we give.

Do we give only to those who can pay us back or when recognized? Or, do we give to those who may never know we gave and to those who will never be able to pay us back?

I could consider myself a giver to the church because I spend so much time giving to the church (and giving on behalf of the church) yet how much of a giver am I really in that area since I make a living serving the church body?

I could consider myself a giver to my family and friends since I give time and attention to them yet how much of a giver does this really prove I am since they also give back time and attention to me?

So really, when I force myself to see giving as Jesus describes it I must pull myself away from my own selfish giving that benefits me and give away myself to those who cannot give back (and even to those who hate me).

To only give to those who can return the favor is to give as the unbelieving person gives. To give to those who cannot reciprocate is to give as God gave (and continues to give).

When we give in order for people to notice us we give as the non-believing give. When we give in order for people to notice God we give as Jesus gave (and continues to give).

What kind of giver are you? Really only you and God can answer that. You may want to ask Him.

Regular, consistent giving (just like financial savings) is far more productive then random, emotional giving. Consider working out 2x's per week; one hour each time for 52-weeks versus exercising for 5 hours every other month.

Which sounds more impressive? Of course, a 5-hour workout is something to brag about and point to but in reality it is limited in its benefits to your body. With the 5-hour workout you will feel a lot of pain but see very little gain.

Consistent giving of our time, talent, and treasure takes a commitment based upon truth instead of a hasty decision based upon emotions. Commitment is painful yet productive. Consistency keeps us in the battle and eventually helps us win the war.

The 5-hour workout equals 30-hours of workout time in a year while the consistent 1-hour workout equals 104-hours of workout time in a year.